POL3310 Chapter 2 – The Founding and the Constitution

These flashcards cover vocabulary terms related to the founding principles of the United States and the Constitution as discussed in the lecture.

Constitutional Convention of 1787

A meeting where delegates debated and agreed on rules for the American government and established foundational political institutions.

Separation of Powers

The principle that divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Federalism

The mixed governing system that combines general government with regional governments in a single political system.

Indirect Elections

A system where citizens participate in selecting representatives who will then make the final decision on elections, such as the presidency.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that stipulated that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation in Congress.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and protect citizens from government overreach.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

Supremacy Clause

The clause in Article VI of the Constitution that states that federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Impeachment

The process through which a legislative body levels charges against a government official, including the president, to remove them from office.

Federalists

Supporters of the ratification of the Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution who preferred a decentralized government and feared the potential for government overreach.

Amendment Process

The procedure by which the Constitution can be altered, requiring either 2/3 of Congress or 2/3 of state legislatures to propose and 3/4 of state legislatures to ratify.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Elastic Clause

The clause in the U.S. Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws deemed 'necessary and proper' to carry out its enumerated powers.

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president without ratification by the Senate.

Political Elite

Individuals or groups that wield significant power or influence over political decisions, often acting as representatives for the public.

Political Institutions

Established laws and practices that structure governance, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary.